Comments Off on Foster + Partners masterplans the new Indian state capital Amaravati

Foster + Partners has moved one step closer to bringing to life the new Indian state capital of Amaravati—a city that’s projected to be “one of the most sustainable in the world.” The city will form the new administrative capital of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, which transferred its former capital of Hyderabad to the state of Telangana when state boundaries were redrawn in 2014. The acclaimed British architecture firm won an international competition to design the 83-square-mile city as well as key administrative buildings. Now in the design development phase, the Amaravati masterplan builds on Foster + Partners’ decades-long research on sustainable cities . The new city is located on the banks of the River Krishna and will be organized along a clearly defined green spine and a strong urban grid. The 550-hectare government complex will occupy the heart of the city and will feature two key buildings—the Legislature Assembly and High Court Complex—also designed by Foster + Partners. Related: Foster + Partners’ DJI HQ will be a “creative community in the sky” According to a project statement, the city will be designed to “the highest standards of sustainability, including the widespread use of solar energy.” At least 60-percent of the masterplan will be occupied by greenery or water in a pedestrian-friendly layout that encourages people to walk through the city. A comprehensive transportation plan will also include electric vehicles, water taxis, and dedicated cycling paths. A mixed-use quarter south of the riverbank will be organized around 13 urban plazas in a nod to the 13 state districts in Andhra Pradesh. + Foster + Partners Images via Foster + Partners

Comments Off on Masdar’s failed sustainable city may be doomed to become a green ghost town

Masdar City was supposed to represent the future of sustainable energy and, for a while, it did that. More than a decade in development, the planned community on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi is falling well short of its original goals. Now, what might have been the sparkling gem of the United Arab Emirates is on its way to becoming the world’s first green ghost town . Read the rest of Masdar’s failed sustainable city may be doomed to become a green ghost town

Comments Off on INFOGRAPHIC: How smart cities are creating a greener future

Advances in technology are quickly paving the way for smart cities. A smart city is an urban center that harnesses technologies, such as IT, to improve the quality of life of residents, manage available resources such as roads and water in economically sustainable manner, and reduce environmental pollution . According to figures published by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), smart city technologies will grow to an industry worth $27.5 billion by 2023. In addition, the world will be home to about 88 smart cities by 2025. To learn more about smart cities of the future and how big data will play a role in improving the efficiency and sustainability of urban living, checkout the infographic below created by the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Online Masters in Computer Science program . Read the rest of INFOGRAPHIC: How smart cities are creating a greener future

Comments Off on Frankfurt named the most sustainable city on the planet

When it comes to sustainability, Frankfurt is the place to be. The German city is known widely for its green initiatives, and it took the top spot in the recently released Sustainable Cities Index by Arcadis. London and Copenhagen were named second and third on the list, respectively. According to Arcadis, Frankfurt topped the list due to its “long track record of proactively taking action to improve its sustainability.” Read the rest of Frankfurt named the most sustainable city on the planet Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: arcadis , copenhagen , Environment , FRANKFURT , green , London , Sustainability , sustainable cities index , sustainable city

Comments Off on INFOGRAPHIC: Spruce up your home with these upcycled DIY urban gardening ideas

If you live in a tiny apartment where owning even a few potted plants make your place feel cluttered, you’ll love these DIY plant organizers that let you save green while growing green. Purely Shutters created the handy DIY Urban Gardening infographic to show off a few ways you can upcycle old objects into space-saving organizers for your plants. From repurposed window shutters to repainted birdcages, these easy and eye-catching solutions can make indoor gardening work in any home. Read the rest of INFOGRAPHIC: Spruce up your home with these upcycled DIY urban gardening ideas Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: DIY , Gardening , infographic , Purely Shutters , reader submitted content , recycled , upcycled , upcycled materials , urban gardening

Comments Off on Keeping Austin weird: 100 brains go missing from the University of Texas

In what sounds like a plot to a shlocky horror film, 100 brains have gone missing from the University of Texas at Austin . The brains, one of which belong to clock tower sniper Charles Whitman, make up approximately half of the university’s formaldehyde-preserved collection. Read the rest of Keeping Austin weird: 100 brains go missing from the University of Texas Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: 100 brains , austin university , bizarre news , brains go missing , brains in a jar , charles whitman , science , texas , texas brains , University of Texas at Austin , weird news

Comments Off on New report shows how the U.S. can drastically reduce carbon emissions by 2050 – if it wants to!

The Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP) just released a preliminary, technical report that shows how the United States can cut its greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050 – provided the political will is there. Such a drastic cut is necessary in order to achieve the internationally agreed target of no more than a 2°C (3.6°F) increase on global mean surface temperature compared to pre-industrial levels. The report also uses very conservative measurements to conclude that it would only take around one percent of GDP per annum to achieve this outcome. Read the rest of New report shows how the U.S. can drastically reduce carbon emissions by 2050 – if it wants to! Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: 2°C , carbon emissions , Climate Change , Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project , emissions reductions targets , global warming , greenhouse gas emissions , infrastructure , renewable energy , report , rising temperatures , US , usa